I have recently replaced all 6 speakers and the head unit in my 1993 190E 2.6. The Highs sound excellent, however I have no bass. I want to put a sub (maybe two 12's or a 15) in the trunk but I have been told that to do so would be a waste of time because of the metal plate in the trunk. Has anybody else encountered this problem or have any suggestions???

I have a similar situation. I have replaced all of the original speakers in my 86, and still have an insufficient amount of bass. I have read a lot of posts that recommend "porting" the box thru the first aid kit cut out. My plans are to remove the first aid kit and install one 10" or 2 8" subs in a small enclosure mounted on the underside of the deck. At the same time I plan to fabricate a new rear deck, as I replaced the rear speakers with 6.5". If you are looking for a ton of bass, and do not care about the loss of trunk space, I would try two 12"s or 1 15" and re-fabricate the rear deck to remove the first aid kit door, covering it with acoustically invisible cloth. It is a good size hole, and should let plenty of bass into the front cabin. As someone else already mentioned in this forum, bass waves are non-directional, most of the impact is felt and not exactly "heard". The port (first aid kit opening) will allow quite about of sound travel up front, while a lot of the impact of the bass will travel thru car car regardless of the opening. If this is the route you plan to take, I highly recommend using a sound deadening product like Dyna-mat or other material on the deck lid and interior of the quater panels. This will help reduce any inherant rattles on the exterior of the car that subs of that size may cause.
Good luck

If you do not want to rip up your rear deck then simply take out your rear speakers (afterall you'll still have four left). The holes will act as a port for the bass right into the cabin and it will keep a stealthy stock look Try it, it really works well.

I upgraded in my 1990 300CE, all the factory speakers to MB Quart with a high end Alpine. I bought a 10" sub, closure,
100 watt amp and wires etc. I prefer not to cut the first aid kit out, any other ideas. I have 4 speaker system, 2 in the front and 2 in the rear. My sound dramatically improved when the new Alpine was wired after by passing the factory fader. Prior to this, with the same stereo, the sound was really flat.
Any advice on sibs?
Barry
1990 300CE

Well, I ended up putting two Sony Xplod 12's in my trunk powered by a 1000 watt amp and cut out the plastic under the first aid kit. The sound is excellent, however if you need trunk space don't do this. But for a teenager like me, it's perfect, I have just enough room in my trunk for my subs and my golf clubs- that's all I use it for anyway!
Thanks to everyone for your help.

There is a place that sells custom subwoofers box that fits right under the first aid kit. It matches the same trim and you cannot tell that you have altered it. They are 2-8" subwoofers.
They will send me some brochure and we'll go from there.
These are designed to give that extra clean bass but not really sound like a big boom box per say. I do need the space in the trunk as I have kids, soccer, basketball.
Regards
Barry-1990 300CE

My car has a 10" Sub.

Before I ported into the cabin, I did have more bass, but it just was not eoungh for me, it was being severly drowned out.

It is true that bass is better felt than heard, but it also depends on the size of the box.

I ported into the bottom of my first aid kit, it sounded much much better. But the lid would rattle like no tomorrow, so I finally cut a big hole in the top and it no longer rattles.

I'm going to stretch some speaker cloth over it, or something along those lines.

I too did not want to cut any holes, but after listening to it before and after, I can say the difference is tremendous.

My single 10, hits hard as hell now.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon